Treatment Sheet

The magazine: Crank

Target readership: ‘Crank’ is the older version of ‘Hip to the Hop’, and is generally aimed at an older audience. The Crank reader is aged 16-20, but older people who are interested in r&b, and hip hop music may also read it because it appeals to their taste of music. ‘Crank’ is generally aimed at both sexes, with typical features for females and males; to make sure that the magazine is versatile. The magazine is aimed at people that want to keep up their knowledge of their favourite r&b artists, and the gossip that comes with fame. The average ‘Crank’ reader is confident, stylish and bold, just like the magazine. ‘Crank’ is for people that are open to listening to different styles of r&b, whether it be grime, hip-hop or rap.

Form and style: ‘Crank’ is an A4 full colour magazine which contains updated information and gossip on r&b celebrities, featuring exclusive interviews and photo shoots, gig reviews, the latest news and style tips on how to dress like your favourite r&b star. The cover uses different r&b artists, and is usually taken in a mid or long shot to make it look more interesting and reel in the readers. The image acts as the background to the cover, with the text surrounding it. It contains colours such as dark purple and black which makes it seem more ‘cool’ and ties in with the theme of r&b. The front cover is fairly simple, but interesting enough to make sure that it will be bought. On each front cover there will always be an r&b celebrity ranging from Eminem to Kanye West, to Britney Spears. These act as role models for the readers, and make them more likely to buy it because it features a celebrity. The cover lines are bold, and stand out and feature things that r&b fans would want to read about, such as gig reviews and interviews. At the top there is a banner, which includes information about special offers and competitions. The magazine will be sold at £1.80, which is fairly cheap for a music magazine, which makes it more appealing for a reader, however on the plus side the magazine looks expensive, and worth the money.

Themes and typical features: ‘Crank’ will have regular features that continue in the magazine such as a different r&b celebrity interview each week, concert dates and a photo shoot of a r&b artist. The magazine will have a page where readers can write in about their favourite artist, and the best letter will receive a prize, however this will be monthly rather than weekly. The concert reviews will contain numbers that the readers can ring to book tickets, and general information on how to get to certain concerts and what will be available in the future.

Potential advertisers: A versatile range of brands will advertise in the magazine each week, and these will be suited towards theme of r&b style. Advertises will include; Addidas, Punkyfish, ghd’s, perfumes such as Joop, DKNY and Ghost and generally advertisements that people who read the magazine will be interested in.

Editorial Team: The editorial team for ‘Crank’ will be made up of enthusiastic and young writers and designers, so that the magazine will be unique and fresher. The team will consist of people that are generally interested in r&b music, so that they can write with their own opinion, and make the magazine more interesting and more suited towards the target audience.